Documentary by Sunnyside filmmaker to debut at fundraiser in Yakima

"A Journey of Hope," a 30-minute documentary written and directed by Tom Lathen of Sunnyside, will debut at a fundraising event in Yakima on Sept. 29.

The film documents the District 5060 Rotaplast mission to India this past April. Filmed on location, it features the stories of children who were operated on for cleft palate and cleft lip during the 10-day trip.

The debut will benefit future Rotaplast missions and public television station KYVE in Yakima. It will be held at the 4th Street Theatre in downtown Yakima. Tickets are $50. The Sept 29 event begins at 5:30 p.m.

"We wanted to document the world and community service that has originated in our district," said Mission Director Steve Altmayer. "We are very proud of the work that Rotaplast has done in cooperation with District 5060 over the past 10 years."

The team that traveled to India was composed of Rotarians from Canada, Alaska and Washington. Lathen, of Sunnyside Daybreak Rotary, wrote and directed the film. Mike Fitzsimmons, a professor at Gonzaga University in Spokane, provided narration. The film was edited by Quentin Coulter of KYVE and Enigma Marketing in Yakima.

The video will be broadcast on KYVE/47 on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m., and Wednesday, Oct 12, at 7:30 p.m. It may be shown on other PBS stations at a later date.

People unable to attend the Sept. 29 premiere or not in the KYVE viewing area can contact Tom Lathen at Sunnyside Community Hospital to arrange a showing to a local club or group.